| Summary: | Talent agent Maxine Powell was born in Texarkana, Texas on May 30, 1915. Raised in Chicago, Illinois by her aunt, who taught etiquette and refinement, Powell attended Keith and Willard schools. She graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1933 and attended Madame C.J. Walker's School of Beauty Culture. She studied elocution with James Baron and dance with Sammy Dyer, and worked as a "personal maid". In 1951, she established the Maxine Powell Finishing and Modeling School in Detroit, Michigan. In 1953, she operated the largest black banquet facility in Detroit. In 1964, Motown hired Powell to establish a finishing school for its talent. Powell taught Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Martha Reeves. From 1971 to 1985, Powell taught personal development at Wayne County Community College. From 1985 until her death, she offered individual consultations and was sought after as a speaker. Powell passed away on October 14, 2013, at the age of 98.
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